Nigeria and Mali will go head-to-head in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket on Sunday, August 3, at the Palais des Sports Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The match is scheduled for 7 PM Nigerian time and will be broadcast live on DAZN and StarTimes Sports.
This final reignites a long-standing rivalry between the two top teams in African women’s basketball. Both countries have clashed six times since 2011 at the AfroBasket tournament, with three wins each. Nigeria defeated Mali 70–59 in the 2021 final to claim their third straight title, and many of the same players are back for this year’s showdown—eight from each side.
To reach the final, Nigeria topped Group D, then beat Cameroon in the quarterfinals before narrowly defeating Senegal 75–68 in the semifinals. Mali dominated Group B, swept past Cameroon, and overcame South Sudan with ease to book their spot in the final.
Statistically, Nigeria leads the tournament in scoring with an average of 77.5 points per game, while Mali tops the charts in rebounds (48.5) and assists (22). Nigeria also holds the edge in field goal and three-point shooting accuracy.
Key players to watch include Nigeria’s Amy Okonkwo, who leads the team with 12.8 points per game, and Ezinne Kalu, known for her all-around performance. Mali’s top performers are Djeneba N’Diaye, who averages 12.5 points per game, and Sika Koné, who dominates the boards with 10.5 rebounds and two double-doubles so far.
More than a trophy is on the line. The champion will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, while other top finishers will compete in qualifying tournaments next March. This final is a battle for pride, legacy, and the future of women’s basketball on the continent.
